Gillibrand calling for changes in adoption laws

More people would be able to adopt a child under a bill proposed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

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The Hudson Valley Democrat says more than 400,000 are in the U.S. foster care system. But Gillibrand says many states ban same-sex couples from adopting or becoming foster parents.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

Credit WBFO News file photo

"With so many Americans children in need of a permanent home, we should not be preventing loving caring and responsible adults from welcoming these children into their families. To do so would be cold-hearted and would leave these children behind," Gillibrand said.

Gillibrand's bill would prohibit adoption or foster care entities that receive federal funds from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status.

Gillibrand said it would cut the federal government's welfare costs by $100 million over five years.